Football

Six Golden Eagles listed on College Sports Madness all-OVC team

Jul 23, 2013

COOKEVILLE, Tenn. -- Six members of the Tennessee Tech football team have been recognized with listing on the preseason all-OVC team selected by College Sports Madness, a national college athletics website. Tech had one player, punter Chad Zinchini, listed on the first-team, while three players earned second-team honors and two more are third-team picks.

Zinchini led the OVC and ranked fourth in the nation in punting average as a junior in 2012. It is the third different preseason all-OVC team selection for Zinchini, who was also a preseason All-America pickby The Sports Network.

Wide receiver Cody Matthews is Tech's lone offensive selection, earning second-team consideration. As a sophomore, he ranked second on the team in receptions with 28 for 477 yards and four touchdowns. He was joined on the second-team by senior defensive tackle Jordan Johnson and sophomore Ladarius Vanlier. Johnson finished the year with 19 total tackles, while Vanlier led Tech in all-purpose yards with 1,065.

Tech's third-team picks are junior safety Austin Tallant and junior cornerback Bill Dillard. Tallant ranked second on the team in total tackles in 2012 with 94, while Dillard was fifth on the squad with 73 stops.

The Golden Eagles report to fall camp on Friday, Aug. 2, and begin drills on Saturday following the team's annual Photo Day session in the morning in Tucker Stadium.

Fans will have a couple of chances to watch the squad during fall camp, including the annual Gathering of Eagles on Saturday, Aug. 17. The season opens THursday night, Aug. 29, with a 7 p.m. contest against Cumberland University.

Season tickets to follow the Golden Eagles are currently on sale at the Athletics Ticket Office in Eblen Center, or by calling (931) 372-3940. Tickets may also be purchased online at TTUsports.com.